Don’t you just hate it when your friend make some vacation plans and forget to invite you? That happens to me sometimes back on earth.

***

A day has passed since that ‘Baby Creation’ incident. It created quite a ruckus in the mansion.

Most of the maids and the guys, my little sister, and my best friend, all of them can’t believe that Petal just gave birth to Marie. Not because she isn’t human, but because it didn’t took 9 months to deliver the baby. But they’re even more shocked to know that the father was me.

Also, after that incident, I’ve discussed the truth about my situation with mom.

She suddenly apologized to me during that time because she thought it was her fault for bringing me here. But I told her that it wasn’t and slightly blamed grandfather. When I told her about me going around the world, she was reluctant about that idea. But in the end, I managed to persuade her.

Currently, I’m in my office. I’m finalizing some paper work since I’m going to travel around the world under the pretext of a [Beyond Border Trader]. Also about that, mom volunteered to be the main branch’s second manager. I’ve discussed it with Chevalier Roldenrauf and thankfully, he agreed. I also gave mom a duplicate of my stamp after that.

“Mom, are you sure you’re fine with all these pile of work?”

“I’m fine with this. At least it would make me busy rather than sitting here in this mansion all day with nothing to work on.”

“If you’re talking about work, why not help Petal raise Marie? I’m sure it would be interesting to watch an android raising her human daughter.”

“I’m done with raising kids, though I’d still teach Petal the things in being a mother.”

Right now, mom and I are inside my office reading and signing some papers. We haven’t raised our butts from our seats for 5 hour straight, and now we’re starting to feel the pain.

When I looked out the window from my position, I can see the girls fawning around Petal who is carrying Marie. They’re in the pool by the way.

“Why not join them? You look like you’re eager to go to your daughter. Is the parental instinct kicking in?”

“Funny mom… There’s still a lot of paper works that needs reviewing so I’ll do it later.”

“I think I can do this myself. And isn’t today you’re departure like you said earlier?”

“Oh shit! I forgot!”

Because mom reminded me about an important matter out of the blue, I immediately stood up from my seat and filed the papers which I’m done in a hurry.

“If they’re going to look for me, tell them I’m going to the [Adventurer’s Guild]. I’m going to use the carriage.”

***

“Sir, we’ve arrived.”

After Gen said that, I looked out the window. There, I can see two regular parked carriages in front of the [Adventurer’s Guild]. I can tell that those are related to me because I’m the only one who filed an escort request.

Going down the carriage, the receptionist that I had made the inquiry with came to me while holding two letters. Now that I’ve noticed it, she’s actually a beauty. I slightly regret the fact that I didn’t ask for her name.

“Good Afternoon sir, I didn’t thought that you would only be here in this time of day.”

“My apologies, something came up and I became too busy. To be honest, I forgot that I had made this request.”

After that, she immediately went to the building and called out some people. The next moment, nine men and four women came out of the building. I think they’re the ones who won the random drafting.

“These people are in group of six people. The first ones are--”

Okay, since we’re introducing people I’d be the one to say it to everyone. First group is all muscle men; Rugart, Kirb, Nuzz, Burdok, Cott, and Pamler. They all showed respect to me who is a noble.

For the second group, obviously, half are women. I’ll name the men first; Flo, Sanjeet Talati (why do I have a weird feeling about this guy?), and Dretter, and for the girls; Amly, Lit, and Verma.

Out of the people here, only one person got my attention.

“Sanjeet Talati, right?”

Then he walked towards me with an expression that says he expected this.

“You have a last name, are you a noble?”

Sanjeet shook his head to deny my words.

“Though I have a last name sir, I am not a noble.”

--I can somehow guess.

I walked towards him and spoke in English.

“Are you from earth?” (English)

With a shocked expression, he took a few steps back. The others that were watching us made few mixed expressions. I can tell that they’re confused on what’s happening.

“Don’t be surprised. I’m someone who’s from the same place.” (Marzenthurian)

While saying so, I gave him a wink to make him understood. It looks like he gets it.

“I thought I was the only one. Thank goodness, I finally met one.” (English with an Indian accent)

“So I’m the first one you met. I already met another one, though that guy’s busy these days, I’ll introduce you to him if we have the chance.”

“So there we’re also others? I guess the god really is considerate.”

-What?

“What?”

Since he said something dangerous and weird, I inadvertently tilted my head in puzzlement.

“Wait, so how did you end up in this world?”

“Well, you see, a year ago, I was still living in India. I had a life there, but then one day that thing happened.”

“What thing?”

“I found myself in front of a running truck.”

“So you died?”

“I’m not sure of that myself, because the next moment, I found myself standing in the middle of a forest. Luckily there’s a village nearby and offered me shelter. I learned how to speak Marzenthurian and hunting from them.”

He sure is lucky. To think he survived… no… maybe he really died. He must’ve been transported in this world by mere chance.

I discussed with them the things I have to do before we depart. When I said that I have to suspend it until tomorrow, all of them became sour, except Sanjeet. Though they didn’t show it, I can feel it.

Because I was slightly guilty doing that, I gave them a small pouch with 10 gold coins for the little trouble I caused. It ended well, but I think they’ll just spend that money on liquor on the nearby pub.

Also, one of them advised that I should change my carriage since the fancy design is a sight for sore eyes in the mountain ranges that we’ll pass. But I foresaw that and demonstrated > which is an illusion magic from [Mind Magic] category and transformed the luxurious carriage into a lame one.

***

After that discussion, sun is starting to set and it is time for me to head home.

Gen and I actually went to the pub with the adventurers before heading home to drink. Though Gen didn’t drink much because he’s the one who’s going to drive us home, I on the other hand, almost got wasted. But I got close to one of the female adventurers named Amly. I actually find her cute because of her twin-tails, or was it because I was already drunk at that time?

Anyhow, I got home with a slight headache.

“Thanks for sending me home, Gen.”

“I WILL send you. You’re paying me after all.”

Since I’m so drunk that I can barely walk straight, Gen had to support me down the carriage and to the front door. There, only Jane welcomed me. She immediately swapped with Gen the moment I entered the door. After that, Gen left.

“Goodness, sir. The mistresses and your daughter have been terribly worried from your sudden absence.”

Is it the liquor or is Jane talking very formal these days? I think she’s infected by Petal’s formality syndrome.

“Is that so?”

-Is it just me, or there’s a feeling that rising up inside me when I look into Jane’s eyes.

“Now that I have a good look at you, you’re actually very beautiful.”

Jane’s face instantly became bright red. I can understand that. What I don’t understand is what I just said. Is the liquor already in my head?

Slowly, my face gets closer to Jane’s. Since my arm is around her neck, she couldn’t move away. I feel like she’s not even struggling to get lose, but I think it’s just me drunk.

Then, out of a sudden. That feeling rising inside me actually came out and I only had a millisecond to avert my head to another direction.

*Skipping some details*

“How could you leave your mother with her work while you go out to drink!? I thought that you were just going to the [Adventurer’s Guild].”

“Well, that was originally the plan.”

Right now, mom is giving me a noisy sermon. Accompanied with the hangover, it’s ripping out my brain inside out.

“Key, please be more responsible. You now have a business to run, soon to be wives, and a daughter. Please think about them. Moreover, there are people that are after your life. You can’t just waltz into the streets care-freely.”

Actually mom, I can. A thought crossed my mind, but I just let it pass. But it’s the truth, I literally have the power to protect myself (probably even against an army) and the money to bend… okay, I need to stop thinking because my head hurts as fuck.

“I know, I’m sorry, I won’t do that again.”

This line is very familiar. Oh, right. I always say this whenever I get into trouble.

“You always say that line whenever you get into trouble.”

-and she repeats my thought.

“Anyhow, what I’m trying to say is: Be careful. There are people who cherish you, especially me, your mother.”

I can’t talk back, not because of guilt. But because I feel like I’m going to puke again. Mom looked like she noticed it and gave me a bucket.

“Take a bath before going back to your room. Marie wants to sleep with you tonight. I can’t allow her to smell you who reek of beer.”

Then, mother sat on her seat while massaging her head.

“Aren’t you going to travel tomorrow? Just what were you thinking and get drunk.”

While going out of the room, I bring the bucket with me.

***

Morning came.

After grooming myself, I immediately went to the main hall where everyone is waiting. And by everyone, it includes the maids, butlers, mom and the girls.

“Papa, papa!”

Marie called out to me from Petals arms asking to be carried by me. After taking her, the girls looked at me with warm eyes.

I look like a father, don’t I? *sighs*

“Everyone, since I’ll be gone for a few months mom will be the head of the house.”

And just that, I only called them here to say that. Formality is such a pain in the ass.

Suddenly, Jane raised her hand hesitantly.

“What is it Jane?”

“It may be imprudent of me but, are you not going to bring some of us for the journey? I think that there should be a wet nurse that takes care of Marie.”

-Huh? That’s odd.

“I never said anything about bringing Marie together with me.”

After that, everyone besides mom became puzzled while looking at me. Is there something I don’t know?

“Sir, you said last night that you’ll bring Marie with you during the discussion.”

-I don’t remember shit. No… I think I did say that, I thought that it was just a dream.

“No, no, no. I can’t bring a kid with me to a danger.”

Then out of a sudden, Matt suddenly giggled.

“That what we said last night. But you said that ‘I can handle anything’ with a confident face.”

-I don’t ever remember that part. Did that actually happen?

Then, Cherry suddenly made a sullen expression while looking at me.

“Moreover, you kept drinking even though you’re already drunk.”

-Well, that explains why I don’t remember.

I looked straight into Marie who’s playing with my cheeks.

“I’m sorry Marie. I can’t bring you with me.”

After that, I gave Marie to Petal. I think she understood what I just said because she keeps holding unto my shirt.

“Just take her with you. I admit that I don’t agree bringing her, but because you’re her father, you mustn’t separate yourself from her. Moreover, she was just born a day ago. Don’t be like your father.”

So father didn’t show up when I was born huh. Surprises…

“Fine! Then Jane must come with us then. Jane, go pack your things. We’ll wait for you for 30 minutes.”

For some reason, after I said that to Jane, her face suddenly brightens and runs off towards the maid quarters. I guess she actually wanted to come along.

When I shifted my gaze towards my fiancées, Matt is slightly giggling at me again, and Cherry is giving me a glare that makes me look like a cheating man. Cheating man? What the fuck!

“Hey! If Marie’s coming, so does Jane.”

Cherry pouted.

When we got outside the mansion, two regular carriages, one fancy carriage, one carriage with cargo, and our escorts are waiting outside. Unexpectedly, Sora’s here too. He’s on a brown horse by the way.

“Damn it Key. Why didn’t you say that you’re departing today?”

“Why would I? You want to come along?”

“Of course! Didn’t we discuss about it three weeks ago?”

--Come to think of it, we actually did.

Suddenly, Sora looked around the area. He must be looking for Ghena.

“Don’t worry dude, she’ll also be with us. We’ll pick her up along the way.”

“I-I’m not looking for Ghena, idiot!”

“I didn’t say Ghena’s name.”

“Ugh!”

-This guy’s too easy to read.

Then, the door behind me opened. There, Jane and Mom who’s carrying Marie (because she’ll miss her) came out.

“Can you remember my instructions?”

“Yes mam! I’ll make sure that no mosquito will ever land on master’s daughter.”

“Good.”

-So she was giving her some reminders huh.

Mom then gave Marie to me and then Jane rushed towards the carriage with our cargo and then put her own things there.

Everything is going fine (though I feel it was rushed). Sora suddenly screamed which surprised us all. It even startled Marie to the point that almost made her cry.

“What the heck, Sora-!”

“Master?”

Without letting me finish my words, Sora suddenly called me—no, Mom?

“Oh my, is that you Yamato?”

After saying that, mom walked towards Sora. At the same time, Sora dismounted and then rushed towards mom. For some reason, he’s really wearing a genuine shocked face.

“W-what are you doing here master?”

While asking that, Sora then bowed after arriving in front of mom. What the hell is happening here?!

“I live here. I see you’ve grown up, are you now a Darkus Saint?”

“Y-yes! All thanks to your teachings, master.”

“No, it’s all because of your hard work. All I did was guide and bring you here.”

Sora stood up, then after a moment, Sora looked up to Mom, and then shifted his gaze towards me.

“Master, is Key, your son?”

“Do we resemble each other?”

“No.”

“I know, I know. BUT THAT’S NOT THE PROBLEM HERE!”

I immediately gave Marie to Petal and I rushed towards Mom and Sora.

“What’s the meaning of this? You two know each other?!”

Mom went to Sora’s side and patted his shoulder.

“He was my apprentice when I went to japan. Remember that time when I went abroad when you were still 12? I was there, training him.”

“Training him?”

“Yes, yes. I’m also the one who sent him here, in Marzenthura.”

“But didn’t you call him Yamato just now? Sora, what really is your name?”

“Sora Dreier Flordist, but my Earth name is Yamato Sora.”

We talked and I yelled a lot for almost half an hour.

I didn’t expect this kind of development. To think that two words can still be considered small for them to actually meet. Very unexpected and sure is one hell of a plot twist.

“So Key how did the two of you meet?”

While saying so, mom took Marie again from Petal. Marie really likes changing positions.

“Well, this one time—”

“Let me guess, he stalked you.”

“How did you know?!”

When mom guessed it correct, Sora became flustered. I don’t really understand this guy.

“It’s really easy for your master to guess your ways just from your personality. I know you used > to not let Key question your sudden appearance. I’m the one who taught you that. I can tell since I can still see the awkward you.”

--Now that I think back about it, I never really actually questioned Sora’s existence. He used magic at me.

Suddenly, while I was in deep thought, Sora bowed like bent steel.

“Now that you’ve heard the truth, you’re probably angry by now. I deeply apologize.”

“Sora…”

“You probably noticed that a lot of people are friendly to me, correct? I also used the same magic at them back then.”

“….”

I don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect Sora’s true colors were like this. I do think he’s suspicious sometimes, but this guy helped me a couple of times already. I guess telling him what I feel right now might be the best idea there is.

“Sora, even if you tricked me to be close, you became a friend to me. From the first time we met, the time we hunted those monsters outside, the time you advised me on what should I do, until today. I’m really thankful for that. I’d be lying if I say I’m not mad even for the lightest, but even so, you’re a friend of mine.”

After saying so, Sora stood straight and his face brightened. Though he’s smiling now, I can see a slight guilt.

“You really are a nice guy. But you’re too easy to trick.”

After saying so, Sora and I made a fist bump. Then, Cherry called us from the carriage window to depart.

Mom then handed me Marie. She also gave me some words before I go.

“Be careful on your journey. Also, don’t forget to send me a letter when you arrive at Berigious. Ah! Also, take good care of your daughter. I’ll hit you if I see even the slightest bite mark from mosquitoes.”

While turning around, I noticed Sora’s expression… what do I call this? Pale shocked?

“What happened to you?”

“YOU HAVE A KID?!!!”